Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday presented a cheque of Rs5 million to the father of international mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter Shahzaib Rind, in recognition of the athlete’s role in elevating Pakistan’s image in global sports.
The sports star’s father, Khair Muhammad, met the Prime Minister at the PM Office, where the financial award was formally given on behalf of the federal government.
PM Shehbaz praised Shahzaib Rind’s international successes and extended his best wishes for future competitions. The gesture comes amid recent criticism of the federal government for delays in fulfilling promises made to the fighter.
Shahzaib had publicly expressed disappointment over the delay, prompting the Prime Minister to take notice of the matter.
Earlier, Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar issued a public apology to Shahzaib, citing a “miscommunication” as the reason behind the delay.
In a post on social media, Tarar said, “Due to a miscommunication, there was an unfortunate delay in fulfilling our commitment to Shahzaib Rind. We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience and reaffirm our promise to honour his contributions.”
He added that the Prime Minister had taken “serious notice” of the situation and instructed authorities to resolve the issue without further delay.
Rind made history in 2024 by becoming Pakistan’s first-ever world champion in Karate Combat after defeating Brazil’s Bruno Roberto De Assis in the KC-49 final in Singapore. He is also a six-time national Wushu champion and previously secured the Combat League title in the United States.
An internal audit report by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has raised serious concerns over irregular payments made to veteran umpire Aleem Dar during the 2024 edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL 9).
The report reveals that Aleem Dar was paid double the standard match fee for his services, leading to excess payments amounting to around PKR 3.85 million.
According to media reports citing the audit, Aleem Dar received $4,000 per match during PSL 9, despite being on the PCB’s International Panel, which entitles umpires to a standard fee of $2,000 per match. The increased payment was approved by the then-Chairman of the PCB Management Committee and was disbursed from the Chairman’s contingency fund.
A total of $28,000 was paid to Aleem Dar for officiating in seven matches, while the amount he was entitled to under PCB regulations should have been $14,000. The auditors reportedly noted that this excess payment placed an additional financial burden on the PCB and indirectly impacted the PSL franchises as well.
The note sheet titled “PCB-DCOP-24-1848 – Payments for Match Officials, PSL 9, 2024” confirmed that several umpires and match referees were appointed for PSL 9 fixtures, and the match fees were allocated accordingly. However, Aleem Dar’s match fee was based on the ICC Elite Panel rate of $4,000 per match, even though he was not part of the Elite Panel during the tournament.
As per the audit, this action provided an undue financial benefit to Aleem Dar and was in violation of the board’s own regulations. It concluded that the overpayment caused a financial loss to the PCB.
In response, the PCB management acknowledged that Aleem Dar had requested to be paid at the ICC Elite Panel rate and that this request was approved by the Chairman at the time
The auditors noted that this explanation effectively confirmed the audit’s findings regarding the irregular payment.
The Asian Squash Federation has imposed a six-month ban on Pakistani squash player Mehwish Ali after she made an obscene gesture toward her opponent during the Asian Junior Squash Championship.
The incident took place after Mehwish lost her pre-quarterfinal match against a player from Hong Kong. Following the defeat, she not only made an inappropriate gesture but also refused to shake hands with her opponent, violating the sport’s code of conduct.
The disciplinary action highlights the importance of sportsmanship and respectful behavior in international competitions.
A similar controversy occurred in 2023 when Russian tennis star Karen Khachanov received a warning during the Australian Open for making a racially and politically sensitive gesture.
He wrote a message on camera related to the Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict, which triggered an inquiry. Although Khachanov did not face a ban, his actions were criticized globally as an attempt to bring politics into the sporting arena.
Former UFC Lightweight Champion Khabib Nurmagomedov has revealed that he was removed from a US flight earlier this year simply because he wanted to reach San Francisco in time to eat at his favorite Pakistani restaurant Chutney before it closed.
Speaking on a podcast with host Adam Zubayraev, Khabib shared how his love for Pakistani cuisine led to a now-viral airline incident in January.
The MMA star explained that he specifically booked a budget Frontier Airlines flight from Las Vegas to San Francisco because it was the only option that would get him to Chutney before its closing time.
“There is a restaurant in San Francisco called Chutney. Pakistani. Number one restaurant. For all of us,” Khabib said. “Honestly, I recently flew to America and I booked a ticket through San Francisco just so I could eat there.”
“I’ve been going to Chutney since 2012,” he said. “Every time I’m in San Francisco, I go there.”
According to Khabib, the restaurant closes at 9 or 10 PM, and he calculated that only the Frontier flight would get him there in time. Although there was a business class flight available on Delta, its departure time didn’t fit his tight schedule.
“There was a Delta business class flight at 8 PM, but I would’ve missed the restaurant. I needed to leave at 5 PM,” he said. “Only Frontier had that timing. My friend said it was economy class, but I told him, it’s just an hour and a half. What’s the problem?”
To make the economy trip more comfortable, they selected exit row seats for extra legroom. But that decision backfired. Cabin crew, doubting Khabib’s ability to operate the emergency exit due to language issues, asked him to move. He refused, calmly explaining, “I know the language, I know how to help,” but was eventually removed from the flight by security.
Videos of the incident sparked widespread backlash, with many accusing the airline of xenophobia. Khabib, however, remained calm and simply described the crew as rude, urging airlines to treat passengers more respectfully.
The undefeated UFC legend, who hails from the Muslim-majority region of Dagestan in Russia, said that while he prefers his native cuisine, when it comes to foreign food, nothing beats Pakistani dishes.
Pakistan have successfully maintained their dominant run at the FIVB Volleyball Boys’ U19 World Championship with a commanding 3-0 win over Puerto Rico on Monday.
The straight-sets win (25-20, 25-20, 25-15) marked Pakistan’s fourth consecutive triumph in Pool A.
Pakistan maintained their unbeaten streak with a comprehensive 3-0 win over Türkiye on Saturday in Tashkent. The victory (25-17, 25-19, 25-19) followed earlier straight-sets triumphs against world No. 7 Belgium and hosts Uzbekistan.
Pakistan made headlines from the very start of their debut campaign, beating Belgium 3-0 in their opening match. They then defeated Uzbekistan (25-23, 25-17, 25-21) in another performance.
Against Türkiye, outside hitter Saud was the standout performer with 16 points, while team captain Muhammad Yahya added 13. Pakistan dominated the match across all departments, including attack points, blocks, digs, and serves.
With four wins in four matches and no sets lost, Pakistan now sits firmly among the Pool A frontrunners. Their next challenge will be against Argentina as they aim to secure a spot in the tournament’s knockout stage.
Former Indian cricket team captain Sourav Ganguly has come out in support of the highly anticipated India-Pakistan clash in the upcoming Asia Cup 2025, despite increasing calls within India to boycott the match and the tournament altogether.
Speaking to Indian media, Ganguly said, “There should not be situations like in Pahalgam. Sports must continue, terrorism must be stopped. It has to be strictly dealt with.”
He, however, added that while India maintains a firm stance against terrorism, cricket should not suffer. “India has always taken a strong position on terrorism, but cricket should go on,” the former captain stated.
Ganguly also welcomed the tournament draw that placed India and Pakistan in the same group. “I am okay with India and Pakistan being in the same group for the Asia Cup,” he said.
The Asia Cup 2025 schedule was officially announced on Saturday. Group A features Pakistan, India, UAE, and Oman, while Group B includes Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, and Hong Kong.
As per the tournament format, India and Pakistan are guaranteed to meet at least twice — once in the group stage and again in the Super Four if both teams advance. A third clash is also possible if the two sides reach the final.
The Asia Cup will kick off on September 9 in the United Arab Emirates, with the much-anticipated Pakistan vs India group-stage match set for September 14.
Despite the excitement surrounding the tournament, many in India have reacted negatively to the schedule. The decision to host the Asia Cup outside India has not gone down well with sections of the Indian public and media.
Several voices, including former cricketers, have called on the Indian government and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to boycott matches against Pakistan.
Media outlets have also criticised the BCCI for agreeing to play against Pakistan and for not pushing to host the tournament on Indian soil.
A Pakistani cricket fan was asked to cover his national team’s shirt during the India vs England Test match at Old Trafford, Manchester, sparking widespread criticism and concerns about growing politics in cricket stadiums.
Farooq Nazar recorded the entire interaction and later posted it online, showing him being approached by ground staff who insisted he cover up his green Pakistan shirt with a jacket. Farooq, who had purchased a ticket for the match, was visibly shocked and questioned the reasoning behind asking him to hide his shirt.
Farooq can be seen enjoying the pre-match atmosphere in the video, saying, “I am at the Old Trafford Ground, this is the kit of Pakistan, and today there is a match between England and India. It is a lot of fun. Inside the crowd just I am Pakistani.”
Soon after, a man from the ground staff approaches and says, “You need to cover this Pakistani shirt.” When Farooq asks who he is, the man replies, “I work for Lancashire, Prem Singh. I’ve been asked by control by Lancashire.”
Farooq, not backing down, asks for a written request saying, “I need your request or your order in written form before I comply.” The staff member responds, “Yeah. Okay. If you want, you can email the club.”
Another staff member then intervenes, saying, “We’ve asked you to put your coat on.” Farooq refuses firmly, saying, “No, this is my proud country. Why are you covering this? Everybody is representing their country.”
He then adds, “Do you need to talk outside?” The staff member insists again, but Farooq holds his ground saying, “Take me with force if you can. Everybody will record this. Every media will record this. They are taking me out without any reason, without any harm I’ve given to anyone.”
As the situation escalates, a female police officer steps in to calm things down. Farooq tells her, “I have paid the ticket. No Indian crowd has complained about me. I’m just watching the cricket match. I represent my country.”
The officer then suggests, “Can we have a conversation outside of this crowd in a quieter area?” When Farooq replies, “The match is starting in 10 minutes.” she replies, “So we’ve got 10 minutes to have a chat.”
Eventually, Farooq decides to leave the stadium by choice rather than cover his shirt, saying, “They continuously asked me to cover my shirt with a jacket, but I decided not to cover and leave the ground. Even now I am wearing a Pakistani Shirt.”
The incident has sparked outrage on social media, with users criticizing the stadium authorities and what they view as political interference in sport.
“Unfortunately, cricket is no longer a sport. It’s now a game of politics,” wrote one user. “A few months back in the Champions Trophy in Lahore, Pakistani fans wore Kohli shirts without any restrictions.”
Another said, “It looks like Lancashire Cricket Board is run by the Indian cricket board.”
Many pointed out inconsistencies: “If Pakistan is a participating team in the competition, why can’t its fans wear their team’s T-shirt?”
Others noted that Indian fans were clearly visible wearing their own team’s shirts in the same crowd. “There is a guy in the background wearing an Indian T-shirt,” one viewer pointed out.
“I’ve seen many Pakistan matches vs England in England with fans of other countries wearing their own team shirts. No one ever complained. What’s changed now,” asked another.
There are no official rules or regulations by the International Cricket Council (ICC) or by individual stadiums that ban spectators from wearing the shirt of another country, especially when that country is not playing.
As of now, the Old Trafford stadium or Lancashire Cricket has not issued any explanation regarding the incident.
Prominent Indian sports journalist Vikrant Gupta has criticised the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) after it was announced that Asia Cup 2025 will be held in the United Arab Emirates under India’s official hosting rights.
The decision confirmed by Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman and Asian Cricket Council (ACC) President Mohsin Naqvi was followed by the schedule announcement that did not sit well with Indian experts.
Among said experts was Gupta, who, during a TV programme, questioned India’s diminishing influence in the cricketing world. “Is India no longer a superpower in cricket? It seems the BCCI no longer has any say,” he said.
He highlighted the inconsistency in BCCI’s stance, saying, “They initially refused to attend the meeting in Dhaka, but now they joined the meeting virtually. This is nothing but a complete U-turn.”
Earlier, the BCCI had expressed reservations over the ACC meeting being held in Dhaka, citing political tensions between India and Bangladesh.
Reports suggested the board even threatened to boycott the meeting unless the venue was changed. However, Naqvi remained firm in his decision, and the meeting was held as schedule in Dhaka on Thursday with BCCI Secretary-General Rajeev Shukla attending online.
Following the virtual meeting, Naqvi officially announced the schedule for Asia Cup 2025, which will take place from September 9 to 28 in the UAE.
According to the fixtures, Group A consists of Pakistan, India, UAE and Oman, whereas Group B features Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan and Hong Kong.
The tournament will kick off with a clash between Afghanistan and Hong Kong. Pakistan will begin their campaign on September 12 against Oman.
The much-anticipated group-stage match between Pakistan and India is scheduled for September 14. Pakistan will then play their third group match against UAE on September 17.
The final of the Asia Cup will be held on September 28.
The schedule for Asia Cup 2025 has officially been announced, with the tournament set to take place in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from September 9 to 28.
According to the fixtures, Group A consists of Pakistan, India, UAE and Oman, whereas Group B features Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan and Hong Kong.
The tournament will kick off on September 9 with a clash between Afghanistan and Hong Kong. Pakistan will begin their campaign on September 12 against Oman.
The much-anticipated group-stage match between Pakistan and India is scheduled for September 14. Pakistan will then play their third group match against UAE on September 17.
The Super Four stage will begin on September 20, featuring the top two teams from each group. The match schedule for this stage is as follows:
September 20: B1 vs B2
September 21: A1 vs A2
September 23: A2 vs B1
September 24: A1 vs B2
September 25: A2 vs B2
September 26: A1 vs B1
The final of the Asia Cup will be held on September 28.
The schedule was announced by Asian Cricket Council President Mohsin Naqvi in a social media post.
Azam Khan has set the record straight about a viral post circulating on social media, which claimed that the cricketer had lost a staggering 69 kilograms in just two months, leaving fans stunned.
Many praised Azam’s “incredible transformation,” while others remained sceptical, questioning the authenticity of the claim.
Putting the rumours to rest, Azam Khan took to Instagram, sharing the viral image on his story with a caption: “Work in progress but this is from 2020,” confirming that the picture was not recent.
While Azam has been actively working on his fitness, the dramatic weight loss reported online is false.
Azam’s weight has often been the subject of public scrutiny. Back in 2021, reports stated that he had already lost around 30 kilograms in an effort to meet national fitness standards. In a previous interview, the wicketkeeper-batter said that while he can’t change his body structure, he focuses on staying fit and performing well.
Though the viral photo was outdated, it’s clear that Azam Khan remains committed to his fitness journey.
